share torah logo

Exodus 35:11 - Divine dwelling's sacred construction details

Exodus 35:11 - שמות 35:11

Hebrew Text

אֶת־הַמִּשְׁכָּן אֶת־אָהֳלוֹ וְאֶת־מִכְסֵהוּ אֶת־קְרָסָיו וְאֶת־קְרָשָׁיו אֶת־בְּרִיחָו אֶת־עַמֻּדָיו וְאֶת־אֲדָנָיו׃

English Translation

the tabernacle, its tent, and its covering, its clasps, and its boards, its bars, its pillars, and its sockets,

Transliteration

Et-hamishkan et-ohalo ve'et-michsehu et-krasav ve'et-krashav et-brichav et-amudav ve'et-adanav.

Hebrew Leining Text

אֶ֨ת־הַמִּשְׁכָּ֔ן אֶֽת־אׇהֳל֖וֹ וְאֶת־מִכְסֵ֑הוּ אֶת־קְרָסָיו֙ וְאֶת־קְרָשָׁ֔יו אֶת־בְּרִיחָ֕ו אֶת־עַמֻּדָ֖יו וְאֶת־אֲדָנָֽיו׃
אֶ֨ת־הַמִּשְׁכָּ֔ן אֶֽת־אׇהֳל֖וֹ וְאֶת־מִכְסֵ֑הוּ אֶת־קְרָסָיו֙ וְאֶת־קְרָשָׁ֔יו אֶת־בְּרִיחָ֕ו אֶת־עַמֻּדָ֖יו וְאֶת־אֲדָנָֽיו׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Overview of the Verse

The verse (Exodus 35:11) enumerates the components of the Mishkan (Tabernacle), detailing its structure and the materials used in its construction. This list is part of Hashem's command to Moshe regarding the building of the Mishkan, emphasizing the precision and sanctity of each element.

Commentary on the Components

  • הַמִּשְׁכָּן (the Tabernacle): Rashi explains that the Mishkan refers to the structure made of boards and coverings, serving as the dwelling place for the Divine Presence (Shechinah). The Mishkan symbolizes the connection between Hashem and Bnei Yisrael.
  • אָהֳלוֹ (its tent): This refers to the outer covering of the Mishkan, made of goat hair (Exodus 26:7). The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 35:1) teaches that the tent represents protection and concealment, shielding the holiness within.
  • מִכְסֵהוּ (its covering): Ramban notes that this refers to the outermost layer, made of ram skins dyed red and tachash skins (Exodus 26:14). This covering served as a protective barrier against the elements, symbolizing the layers of kedushah (holiness) surrounding the Mishkan.
  • קְרָסָיו (its clasps): The clasps, made of gold and copper, held the curtains together. The Talmud (Shabbat 98b) discusses their significance in unifying the structure, representing the unity of Klal Yisrael.
  • קְרָשָׁיו (its boards): The boards were made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold (Exodus 26:15). Rashi explains that these boards stood upright, forming the walls of the Mishkan, symbolizing strength and permanence in avodat Hashem.
  • בְּרִיחָו (its bars): The bars, also made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold, held the boards in place (Exodus 26:26). The Midrash (Tanchuma, Terumah 9) compares them to the Torah, which stabilizes and unites the Jewish people.
  • עַמֻּדָיו (its pillars): The pillars supported the curtains at the entrance of the Mishkan and the courtyard. The Rambam (Hilchot Beit HaBechirah 1:12) highlights their role in demarcating sacred space, teaching the importance of boundaries in kedushah.
  • אֲדָנָיו (its sockets): The sockets, made of silver and copper, served as the foundation for the boards and pillars (Exodus 26:19). The Sforno explains that they represent the stability and enduring nature of the Mishkan, rooted in the commitment of Bnei Yisrael.

Spiritual Significance

The detailed enumeration of the Mishkan's components teaches that every aspect of avodat Hashem requires care and precision. The Mishkan is a microcosm of the world, and its construction mirrors the creation of the universe (Midrash Tanchuma, Pekudei 2). Each part, no matter how small, contributes to the sanctity of the whole, reflecting the idea that every mitzvah and detail in Torah observance is essential.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Tabernacle (Mishkan) mentioned in Exodus 35:11?
A: The Tabernacle (Mishkan) was a portable sanctuary built by the Israelites in the wilderness as a dwelling place for the Divine Presence (Shechinah). It served as the center of worship and sacrifices until the construction of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. Rashi explains that the Mishkan was a temporary structure that allowed the Israelites to maintain a connection with Hashem during their travels.
Q: Why does the verse list all the parts of the Tabernacle like the boards, bars, and sockets?
A: The detailed listing of the Tabernacle's components in Exodus 35:11 emphasizes the importance of every part in creating a sacred space. The Talmud (Yoma 72a) teaches that each element had spiritual significance, and the meticulous construction reflected the unity and dedication of the Jewish people in serving Hashem. Rambam (Hilchot Beit HaBechirah 1:1) also notes that these details provide practical instructions for building a place of holiness.
Q: What can we learn from the construction of the Tabernacle today?
A: The construction of the Tabernacle teaches us that every detail in serving Hashem matters. Just as the Mishkan required precision and care, our mitzvot (commandments) and daily actions should be performed with intention and devotion. The Midrash (Tanchuma, Terumah 8) compares the Mishkan to the human heart, suggesting that we must also make ourselves into a 'dwelling place' for holiness through righteous deeds.
Q: Why were the sockets (adanim) of the Tabernacle important?
A: The sockets (adanim) were the foundation of the Tabernacle's structure, holding the boards upright. Rashi (on Exodus 26:19) explains that they were made from silver, symbolizing stability and purity. The Talmud (Shekalim 6a) teaches that the adanim were funded by the half-shekel contributions of all Israelites, showing that the community's collective efforts uphold holiness.
Q: How does the Tabernacle relate to modern synagogue construction?
A: The Tabernacle serves as the prototype for all future Jewish places of worship, including synagogues. The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 150:1) states that a synagogue should be built with dignity, mirroring the Mishkan's sanctity. Just as the Tabernacle was central to the Israelites' spiritual life, synagogues today remain centers of prayer, Torah study, and community.